Government & Politics

Being a mostly-Islamic state, Bettia is run by a Shura or elected council which makes all major decisions jointly. The shura is made up of 10 members (two per region) elected every five years, although emergency by-elections may be held at any time.

The Shura is chaired by a President, who is directly elected by the people of Bettia at the same tie as the Shura and regional governments. The President has tie-breaking powers within the council and mainly performs an ambassadorial role.

Regional assemblies run day-to-day affairs, such as setting taxation levels and public spending. Like the Shura, these are elected every five years with emergency by-elections held whenever needed.

Bettia operates a legal system based around the Islamic shariah law. This is generally approved of by the population due to the nation's extremely low crime levels, although some non-religious groups are seeking to abolish this in favour of a more secular approach.

Crimes such as treason and murder can be punished by death. Adultery can be punished by flogging (but only if sufficient evidence is presented) - rapists can expect double this punishment. Theft can be punished by cutting off the criminal's right hand, but only in extreme circumstances (for example, they seriously harmed someone in a bank robbery). In most cases of theft, and most other crimes, the punishment is restitution (unpaid labour for the victim) or imprisonment if the guilty party is thought to be dangerous.

Foreign Affairs

After joining Atlantian Oceania, the Bettian government has taken steps to befriend their new neighbours, opening diplomatic ties with a number of nations.

The Bettian Ambassador to the UN was recently elected as the Regional Delegate. Bettia also serves as the Delegate of AORDO, as well as being a member of the newly formed Strategic Defence League.

Embassies

At present, all foreign embassies are based in the centre of Bettia's capital Gabalfa.

• Abattoir: 7 Civic Square, Gabalfa
• Hypocria: 12 Civic Square, Gabalfa
• Lamoni: 10 Civic Square, Gabalfa
• Latao-Nyssa: 11 Civic Square, Gabalfa
• Lesser Ribena: 12 Civic Square, Gabalfa
• Khazaron: 6 Civic Square, Gabalfa
• Nedalia: 4 Civic Square, Gabalfa
• Starblaydia: 9 Civic Square, Gabalfa
• Xile: 5 Civic Square, Gabalfa